Upgrades on the cheap

[Bubba]

Ok I need some up-to-date geek know how as I have been out of it for a while. I’m in the process of upgrading my system on the cheap, hopefully for about 300 dollars or so.

I have
Abit IP-35 E MB
E2150? Intel
2 GB Ram
HD 1: 1 TB Seagate 7500 RPM – 32 MB cache
HD 2: 500 GB 7500 RPM 8 MB cache
2 GB Ram –
N-Vida 8800 GTS video
G11 KB, laser mouse, Turtle Beach SS earphones
XP Pro Windows – SP2

I want to get a 9 series quad CPU, it depends on price what I get. And upgrade the memory. I think the rest will suffice until I get me an i7 system. One of the questions I have is how much memory will the XP operating system handle? I was told it would not go beyond 3GB. I want to upgrade to use all 4 slots … say 4 or 8 GB memory using 1 or 2 GB sticks. I’m not really willing to upgrade the graphics as it is expensive.

I am going to move to Win 7 soon but want most of the bugs worked out.

OK what do I need to do to optimize my system and stay within a 300 buck range? And do I need to go to Win 7 now. One thing I prize is a stable and worry free op system and the older I get the more this is true.

[burningforce]

you are corrrect, windows xp-32bit operating system will not see more then 3gigs of memory. I am not sure about windows xp-64bit, I would assume it will let you utilize more memory.

for the quad core, you can get the Q9550 for $269 at newegg, but that will leave little room to spend for memory. there is also the Q9505 which has 6MB less L2 cache but is $229 at newegg. Then you will be able to buy a memory kit with the rest of the money (depending on type and speed of memory your motherboard uses)

checking newegg, ddr-800 ram prices have risen dramtically, so if you plan on buying a processor and memory kit, you might have a spend a little more. but if you do not have a operating system that will see 3gb+ ram, then upgrading memory might not be a good idea right now. That is unless you can find windows 7 RC and a valid windows 7 RC key =/

perhaps someone else might have a different route for you to take

[Bubba]

What is Windows 7 RC? I can get Windows 7 for 30 bucks, but it seems to have some operational problems and then there i the system to learn. I have been through many operating systems starting with CPM then the various other ones for Atari 400, Commodore DOS, Apple, MS DOS variants, Windows from the original to XP Pro (hate Vista), some UNIX variants and Luinix variants. Basically Im tired of learning a new one when it comes down the pike. Its like an automatic verses a stick, the older I get the more luxury and automatic I want it; I also want to stay home more.